President Shirley Ann Jackson invites the entire Rensselaer community to join her and other Institute leaders as the Festival Chorus performs at the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) on Sunday, December 11.

The concert this year will feature George Frideric Handel’s masterpiece “Messiah.” The chorus will be accompanied by a professional orchestra and will be under the direction of John Minasian, vice president and dean of the Hartford campus. Minasian has an extensive background working as a conductor with chorales around the world.

“The Festival Chorus showcases the considerable talent of our community in what has become a beautiful holiday tradition on campus,” said President Jackson in her invitation. “I look forward to seeing you there as we welcome the holiday season and ring in a new year.”

The chorus is made up of 65 members of the Rensselaer community, including students, faculty, and staff members. The concert also will include favorite carols including “O Holy Night,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and others.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by a dessert reception.

Registration for the Holiday Concert is now closed. The EMPAC Box Office will release any unclaimed tickets at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 11. If you are still interested, these tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.